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Ada straightened immediately, pulling out her phone. "Yes, Mr. Stark! I’ll call Henry right now and make arrangements. Don’t worry!"
With that, she dashed off to make the call.
Sawyer let out a deep, frustrated breath, his gaze locking onto the empty bedroom across the hall. His jaw tightened as darkness flickered in his eyes.
“So what if it’s just a contractual relationship?” He gritted his teeth. “Ellie Madden, don’t even think about leaving me until I throw you out of my life!
Ada rushed out of the hall and headed straight to the kitchen. She quickly scrolled through her phone and sent a text to Liana Stark, Sawyer’s mother.
‘Madam, Mr. Stark has already started worrying about Ms. Ellie. After she left home, Mr. Stark became concerned and now wants to search for her. It seems he really has feelings for her now!’
Chapter 7 Lily
Liana’s phone chimed with the message. She lifted it, unlocked the screen, and read the text. A small, knowing smile tugged at the corner of her lips before she lowered the phone.
At the Stark estate Sunlight poured in through tall windows, casting a warm glow over the pristine white walls. The room was spacious yet refined, with gold-accented bookshelves neatly stacked with hardcovers. A sleek marble desk sat in the center, holding a crystal vase of fresh roses, a leather notebook, and a steaming cup of tea. Plush white armchairs with silk cushions rested near the windows, while a chandelier overhead sparkled, adding to the airy, elegant feel of the space.
Then, the older, sophisticated woman, who looked far younger than her age, glanced past the table toward the restless young girl pacing back and forth in front of her.
"Mrs. Stark!" Ellie finally turned, rushing to the table. She slumped down into a chair and whined, "Please agree to it. Please, please, please!"
Liana blinked slowly, her face calm and uninterested, as she replied in a voice as cold as ice, "Our deal was for three years. You agreed to it. You can’t back out now."
Ellie’s frustration bubbled over as she threw her hands up. "Please, Mrs. Stark, let me leave now already!" She kicked her feet out in a fit.
Liana shot her a pointed glare, making Ellie freeze. But then, Ellie quickly leaned forward, resting her arms on the table, and flashed a sweet smile.
"Mrs. Stark, look," she coaxed. "I did everything I was supposed to. And it’s just, what… six months early? It’s not that big of a deal, is it?"
"I said no," Liana repeated coolly.
Ellie hesitated, then quickly stood and began to negotiate. "Alright, our deal was that you’ll give me two million dollars after three years are over, but now I’m asking to leave early. How about you just give me one point eight million instead?”
Liana stared at her blankly.
"One point five million?" Ellie’s voice quivered, desperation creeping in.
Silence.
"Alright, fine. One million! That’s it! That’s the last I can go." Ellie slammed her hands down on the table with an absolute face.
The room echoed with a sharp screech as Liana pushed back her chair and stood. Ellie instinctively covered her ears at the sound before meeting Liana’s piercing gaze.
"The deal was for three years, Ellie." Liana’s voice rang out like a whip, sharp and commanding. She met Ellie’s gaze, "You agreed to three years. It hasn’t been three years yet. Fulfill the agreement. End of conversation. That’s your only option."
"But his lover is back!" Ellie whined, exasperated, throwing her hands up in the air. "He’s going to throw me out anyway—it’s just a matter of days, a week, maybe a month at most. He’s going to toss me out soon, so just let me leave first!"
"It doesn’t matter," Liana repeated coldly, her hands pressed firmly against the table as she leaned forward, her tone as cutting as her stare. "I don’t want Olivia anywhere near my son. She was a good child once. I watched her grow up. But now, she’s changed completely. She's become a spoiled brat. And someone like her can never be our family."
Liana leaned back, crossing her arms over her chest. "If you want your money, fulfil the deal. Stay with Sawyer for three years and pull him out of Olivia’s grip so he gives up on marrying her. That’s the only way you’ll get to leave."
"Mrs. Stark…!" Ellie cried, her voice trembling with irritation. "You’re asking for the impossible! I’m just his side chick! His main girl is back, don’t you get it? He doesn’t even care—"
"Out." Liana’s voice was soft but chilling, "My dermatologist is here. Your time is up."
Ellie's mouth dropped open in disbelief.
"Out. Now," Liana repeated, her tone firm, like she was speaking to someone who was hard of hearing.